A Crack in the Ice

Red Files #2

by Tom Watts

A few months have passed since Jack Peterson's world fell apart. Once a decorated Seattle Police Detective, he's a prisoner in his own mind, tracking a killer whose skill is only matched by his ruthlessness. With the department questioning his mental fitness, Peterson must battle his own personal demons and come to grips that the man he once was is lost forever.

Genres: Mystery Thriller

250 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 26, 2016

About the author

Tom Watts lives, writes, and works in the Lower Mainland of British Columbia, Canada. A board certified Fingerprint and Bloodstain Pattern Analyst, his books combine real world police work and forensic science. The Red Files Series can be read and enjoyed in any order and many readers have described his fiction as "un-put-down-able".

Born in Northern Alberta, Tom Watts spent much of his childhood dreaming about writing, but decided fighting crime was the more stable career. Blending the exciting worlds of policing, forensics, and fiction, his books beg to be devoured.

Reviews

[Sheryl Germaine · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had so many issues with this book, just like it’s predecessor. The description or treatment of women at some parts were disgusting, for example: “…and most of the women kept their jackets open, allowing the passing motorists a quick glance as to what particular flavor they were offering that night.” (I get that people in the sex trade dress a certain way but I felt like this was a little too far.) Also, lots of men ogling women and smacking them on their asses as a way of flirting. There were also a couple of mistakes and typographical errors around the book.

With that being said, as much as I hated all of these things, the plot was really good and I liked that the author slipped little nodes of real forensic information in it. I definitely learned a lot from those. I also like how we get to see Peterson grapple with the aftermath of what happened in the first book instead of glossing over it and I like that these vulnerable sides of the character was inserted in the plot.

Overall, I genuinely enjoy Tom Watts’ books and he has a lot of good ideas and potential. I just hope his future books use descriptions more carefully and with more sensitivity.

[Lee · Rating 2 out of 5]

A lot of stuff that bugged me about this one. First, I doubt Petersen would have been allowed back so soon without a psych clearance. He should already have been receiving treatment for PTSD. Second, what's up with Archie? Is he assigned to Red Files or not? Third, why all the sexist stuff from Watts? I'm sick of it IRL and I really don't want to see it used gratuitously in the fiction I read (meaning there was nothing about it that in any way furthered the story). Fourth, there is no "Crown" that's part of the legal process in the United States. If it's set in the states, the terminology should match. It's not that hard to fix. Fifth spoiler alert: where did Isabella get enough money to hire a hit man? How did she even find one? And sixth, how could she have done that to her father. Oh, and I thought this series was about Harriet. Where was Harriet? I already have the third book so I'll read it but I wouldn't go out looking for it if I didn't.

[Antigone Walsh · Rating 3 out of 5]

Killing for Fun & Profit

A brilliant detective survived a lethal attack while his wife and unborn baby died. Returning to work he is troubled by guilt and PTSD. At the same time a hired killer is taking out people associated with a dismissed rape case. Soon the detective becomes a suspect and must fight to clear his name.

This book started slow but picked up during the last third. The killer was well drawn, cold, precise and gleeful. Petersen gradually learns what really matters and begins to recover. Not great but not bad either.

[Ellen White · Rating 5 out of 5]

This plot is one that catches the reader and you knew who might be the next target, it was who doing the killing, completely baffled me.
Detective Paterson barely functioning after his wife was killed, nightmares, put on suspension, will he be able to save his job.
Good series, and wonder what the third will have as a plot.

[Jessie hastings · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good police mystery

Good book that delves into several genres: thriller, action, psychological suspense, and more I’m not remembering. Well organized and the story flows well. Quite enjoyable in spite of some grammatical and syntax errors. These were in no way distracting, just noted.

[sue wa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Now i can get some sleep!

Had to know how it ended. So i've been reading since 10 p.m. lol! I like the way this author writes with twists and turns. I hope to read more of his books.

[Laurie Sachs Sachs · Rating 5 out of 5]

A good, quick read.

I enjoyed this book very much. The storyline was interesting, and one of the characters returned from the first book. All in all a very book.

[dutch · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great

Great read, what goes around, will come back and bite you in the butttoks ,,,,, ending is what I foreseen

[barbara pile · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fascinating with twists and turns that kept you riviteted.

My family and friends, we all enjoy these types of books.
My neighbours as we all lent our books to each other.

[H · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this 2nd book in the Red Files series, really held my attention.. I guessed the killer early on in the 1st book so I'm glad I persevered and read the 2nd!
Now going to start reading To The Bone 😊

[Terry Marrlett · Rating 5 out of 5]

A crack in the ice

Really enjoyed this book. New Author for me. Take a gamble and read it. Not a lot of twists and turns but turned out to be a pretty good story.